Glasgow: City has developed into a center of culture
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Planning a trip to Scotland? With Ryan Air’s low fares and the summer travel season upon us, Scotland is a frequent stop for many travelers, and Glasgow is often the point of entry. So whether you fly, drive, backpack or go by rail — all paths will likely lead you to Glasgow.
There is a wealth of attractions to discover, including some of the UK’s finest Victorian architecture and the city’s own unique atmosphere.
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, has transformed from an industrial metropolis to a center of culture. It hosts museums and centers of learning, including the impressive Museum of Transport (free admission) and the Glasgow Science Center. The science center charges an entrance fee, and houses a superb collection of hands-on science-related activities for kids of all ages. You can also visit the IMAX Theater next to the science center for an additional fee.
Of course, you may want to see Glasgow University then stop at the nearby Hunterian Art Gallery and Museum, visit the botanical gardens, or even take a tour of Glasgow’s gallery of modern art.
Whatever your interests, a bus tour can provide you with a snapshot of the city, and all it has to offer (see “If you go” for bus tour info). A hint: Hop from bus to bus. In other words, get off at a stop and get back on a subsequent bus. You’ll find all of the tour guides informative and interesting, but each presents a slightly different perspective, and they’re all fascinating.
Hungry? You can forget the stereotypical notion of bland cuisine and sheep entrails. Sure, all that’s available, but Glasgow hosts many exquisite restaurants.
You’ll find all the old familiar haunts, too, from KFC and McDonald’s to TGIF. I recommend you skip these and try the all-you-can-eat Mongolian barbecue at Khublai Khan’s, a superb Italian feast at L’ariosto’s or a cup of strawberry tea with a slice of carrot cake at the Willow tearoom on Sauchiehall Street, instead. Glasgow has no shortage of fine dining, but you may need a reservation to be sure you get a table.
The city also has four large shopping centers, Braehead Sopping and Leisure Centre (www.braehead.co.uk), Buchanan Galleries (www.buchanangalleries.co.uk), Princes Square (www.princessquareglasgow.co.uk) and St. Enoch Center (www.stenoch.co.uk). You’ll find numerous shops along the city’s streets as well, ranging from the inexpensive to the pricey. Most close daily by 6 p.m. except for Thursdays, when they are open to 8 p.m.
Like most European cities, Glasgow has a wonderful transportation system. The underground subway will carry you around the city center for one pound 80 all day and the trains from Central Station to areas beyond. Taxis are both reasonably priced and abundant.
While I’ve only touched the surface of what you can see and do in Glasgow, in the end, I think you’ll find the city quite cosmopolitan and its residents accommodating — if not friendly. There’s no shortage of national pride, but as in most places, a warm greeting and a smile will be returned.
Maj. Mike Young is stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
¶ Planning your stay: If you plan to stay over a long weekend or only a few days, the sites of Glasgow can keep you busy enough. If your stay is longer, I suggest you spend several days in Glasgow but plan a trip to Edinburgh for a couple of days.
¶ Getting there: Forget the rental car! You can catch a train from Prestwick International Airport to Glasgow’s Central Station for two pounds, 50 pence (about $4) by showing your Ryan Air travel confirmation to the conductor — there’s no ticket purchase area in the terminal — you buy your ticket after boarding.
¶ Getting around: Want to see the city with ease? The Glasgow Tourist Information Center on George Square, Web site www.seeglasgow.com, offers a wealth of information. Besides pointing you to all the usual tourist-type stuff, the center is also the launching place for several city bus tours.
We chose City Sightseeing Glasgow (Web site www.citysightseeingglasgow.co.uk),
